Izhevsk is called the Ural Petersburg and the arms capital of Russia. The city was founded as a factory settlement at an industrial enterprise, today it is included in the list of the largest settlements in the country. For quite a long time, Izhevsk was perceived as an uninteresting place, where, apart from factory buildings and gray residential areas, there was nothing else to see. However, the city boasts not only the production of excellent quality weapons - there are interesting places, monuments, museums and theaters here.
In the 2000s, the city began to transform: squares and streets were reconstructed, new cultural objects were built, parks were refurbished and public areas were improved. Today, guests of Izhevsk can appreciate all the efforts of the city authorities, walking along the well-groomed streets and squares.
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What to see and where to go in Izhevsk?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
St. Michael's Cathedral
The history of St. Michael's Cathedral is similar to the fate of many churches that did not survive the persecution of religion during the Soviet era. The building was built in 1907. After the Revolution, the authorities adapted it for a local history museum, but in 1937 it was nevertheless demolished. The ruins of the once majestic cathedral “adorned” Izhevsk until the early 2000s. In 2007, by decision of the city administration, the temple was rebuilt and consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II.
Embankment of the architect Dudin
The banks of the Izhevsk pond took shape back in the 18th century, but the equipped embankment appeared only in the 1970s and 80s. After the completion of the landscaping work and the opening, it was named in honor of the first architect of Izhevsk, S. E. Dudin. Most of the promenade is located in the central part of the city. In 2010, the embankment was reconstructed, after which it became one of the most popular places among the townspeople.
Central square
The central square of Izhevsk took shape in the second half of the 20th century. It is surrounded by administrative offices, in the middle there is a cascade of quite impressive fountains with lighting and musical accompaniment. The size of the square allows organizing concerts, large-scale social events, political actions, parades here.
Karlut Square
The square is located in the historic center of the city. Previously, it was called the Artillery in honor of the weapons production and arsenal located here. Active development of the area began in the Soviet era in the 1920s. Over the years, monuments have been erected, alleys have been paved and lawns have been laid out. In 1967, the square was decorated with the Monument of Military and Labor Glory, depicting a decisive warrior with a banner in his hands.
Friendship of Peoples monument
The monument was erected in 1972 in honor of the 400th anniversary of the entry of Udmurtia into Russia. It is a 46-meter two-piece stele lined with stainless steel. The metal plates bear reliefs depicting the working life of workers and peasants. In 2008, the monument was reconstructed and evening illumination was added, at the same time the surrounding space was ennobled.
The main building of the arms factory
An ensemble of buildings of industrial architecture, built in the first half of the 19th century. The Izhevsk Arms Plant was founded by decree of Alexander I. Its construction was carried out under the supervision of the engineer AF Deryabin. The main entrance is decorated with a row of columns, the roof ends with a high spire crowning a round tower. At the moment, the building is in an unsatisfactory condition, despite the fact that it is a cultural heritage site.
General's house
A 19th century town manor built with elements of the Empire style. It was erected for the temporary residence of the heads of the arms factory, who bore the rank of general, so the building was nicknamed "General's House". Today, the mansion houses the Izhevsk Museum, where, in addition to the exposition dedicated to the history of the city, you can attend interesting thematic lectures.
Water tower
An industrial building of the early 20th century is the oldest hydraulic engineering structure in the city. The tower was built of red brick, in its appearance you can see elements of the Gothic, which is not at all typical for this kind of buildings. For several decades, rock climbing training took place here, but by 2008 the structure had fallen into disrepair, and it became dangerous to climb it.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The cathedral is a monument of church architecture. It was erected in the first half of the 19th century in the classical style according to the project of A.D. Zakharov and S. After looting and closing in the 1930s, a cinema was opened in the building. In 1990, it was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church and restored. Today the cathedral is an outstanding example of strict Russian classicism, distinguished by its solemnity of forms.
Opera and Ballet Theater of the Udmurt Republic
The opera stage of Udmurtia is a young institution, it was founded in 1993. Previously, musical performances were held at the venues of drama theaters. The opera house was erected in 1984. It is a building in the styles of Soviet constructivism and monumentalism, made in strict geometric shapes. The roof is crowned with sculptures - musical instruments.
Russian Drama Theater of Udmurtia
The theater debut took place in 1935. The audience enthusiastically greeted the first production of "Aristocrats", which received a long standing ovation. The historical building, along with all the props, burned down in 1941, after the end of the Second World War, the stage moved to a new location and practically began to revive from scratch, updating the program and presenting new performances to the audience.
National Theater of the Udmurt Republic
One of the central places in the cultural life of the Udmurt Republic is occupied by the National Theater, formed in the 1930s. As the name suggests, the main place in the repertoire is given to the works of national authors, however, classical performances are often given here as well (some of them are in Udmurt with simultaneous Russian translation).
M.T.Kalashnikov Museum
The museum complex was opened in 2004. This event was timed to coincide with the 85th anniversary of the weapons designer M. Kalashnikov. The exposition is dedicated to the history of arms production in the city and the personality of Kalashnikov himself. The halls display various types of weapons - both historical and modern. There is a shooting gallery at the museum, where everyone can try samples in action.
Museum named after Kuzebay Gerd
Since the 1970s, the exposition has been located in the arsenal building. It is dedicated to the history of Udmurtia and the culture of its peoples. Among the permanent exhibitions, one can single out the "History of the Territory", "Fair", "Udmurts", "Industry and Cities". The museum's funds contain more than 200 thousand exhibits that form archaeological, natural, ethnographic, numismatic and art collections.
Museum of the Izhmash plant
It is believed that the museum was founded in the first half (according to other sources - in the middle) of the 19th century. In 1887, the exposition was moved to the building of the main building of the arms factory. During the Civil War, the collection was plundered. It took more than 30 years to restore it. Since 1975, it has been housed in the cash pantry building - the oldest stone building in Izhevsk, built in the 1810s.
Art Museum
The museum opened its doors to visitors in 1980.His collection is a collection of paintings by Russian and Udmurt artists, as well as decorative and applied exhibitions, products of folk craftsmen, icons, sculptures and graphic drawings. In addition to permanent exhibitions, guests can visit temporary ones. The museum has a scientific library and restoration workshops.
Monument to A.F. Deryabin
A.F. Deryabin is the founder of the Izhevsk Arms Factory. Thanks to him, this industry received a powerful boost. A monument in honor of this outstanding figure and engineer was erected in 1907 opposite the entrance to the main building of the enterprise. The sculpture is a bronze bust of Deryabin on a high stone pedestal with a commemorative plaque.
Monument to Izhevsk gunsmiths
The sculptural group was installed in 2007 near the Izhevsk pond in front of the Museum of the Izhmash plant. The composition consists of the figures of two respectable men dressed in caftans and top hats - caftans (in tsarist times these people were considered the best gunsmiths). The real masters of the factory, whose images were created using old photographs, were used as prototypes.
Crocodile Monument
Modern sculpture of 2005, representing a crocodile in full dress: in a tailcoat, top hat and bow tie. The cast-iron reptile imposingly settled down on the bench, crossing its legs and throwing back its contented muzzle. The monument is made in the postmodern manner. It was conceived as a future symbol of the city, designed to humanize the faceless, according to many, image of Izhevsk.
Izhik
Little Izhik is a mascot and a symbol of the city. He represents a boy dressed in a city armourers' caftan. The idea of creating the sculpture belonged to the "Youth" children's association. To create the figure, a collection of iron keys was organized throughout the city. In a short time, residents brought in 180 kg. material, after which Izhik was cast in the steel shop of OAO Izhstal.
State Circus of Udmurtia
The circus is located in a modern building built in 2003, designed by a Moscow architect. In addition to the original appearance, it is distinguished by good technical equipment, which makes it possible to organize spectacular performances. The auditorium is designed for 1800 people. Recognized stars of Russian circus art often perform on the arena.
Izhevsk Zoo
Izhevsk Zoo is a young institution founded in 2008 at the initiative of the head of the republic. It was built taking into account the fact that animals should live in close to natural conditions - in spacious enclosures, and not in closed cages. The zoo is home to tigers, walruses, bears, wolves, monkeys, rare birds and fur animals. The collection of animals is constantly updated.
Museum-reserve "Ludorvay"
An architectural and ethnographic complex located on the territory of the village of the same name. It consists of 21 buildings, which includes two estates, village houses and utility rooms. On the territory of the museum-reserve, you can get to know more about the culture of the Udmurt people, try national dishes or take part in a folklore event.
Park of culture named after S. M. Kirov
A public park organized in the 1930s by the workers of the Izhevsk factories. Throughout the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, it continued to develop as a recreational area. In 2008, a zoo was opened on its territory. Residents love to walk along the alleys, ride bicycles on special paths, arrange ski races in winter or visit an ice rink.
Summer Garden named after Gorky
The garden is located on the bank of the Izhevsk pond. Its history began in the middle of the 19th century. Until 1917, only residents and guests of the General's House could walk here, after the Revolution everyone was allowed here. The first attraction appeared in the park in the 1940s (it was a wooden swing). A monument to M. Gorky and a classical rotunda are erected in the garden.
